How did Social Darwinism influence American imperialism?

Social Darwinism played a significant role in shaping the ideology behind American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This belief system applied the concept of "survival of the fittest," initially used in biological contexts, to societies and nations. Proponents of Social Darwinism argued that certain races and nations were inherently superior to others, creating a hierarchical view of global relations.

The idea that stronger nations should exert control over weaker ones provided a moral and ideological justification for imperialist actions. Advocates believed that by spreading their culture, governance, and economic systems to these less "evolved" societies, they were fulfilling a duty to elevate and civilize them. This thinking influenced U.S. foreign policy and actions in places like the Philippines and Puerto Rico, as American leaders saw expansion as a way to enhance the nation's power and prestige while rationalizing the subjugation of other peoples.

In contrast, other options do not align with the broader principles tied to Social Darwinism. For example, the notion of peaceful coexistence is opposed to the aggressive expansion driven by Social Darwinist thought, which championed dominance rather than harmony. Similarly, while warfare was certainly a tool used during imperialism, the justification that it was inherently correct